Word of the Week - Light

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

I think we would all agree that light is probably the most essential element of life because without light life would cease to exist.  In the physical realm of our world the sun is our primary source of light and life and without it there would not be life.  In regards to the spiritual/eternal realm, Jesus is the source of light and life and when we receive Him into our lives as “the light of the world” He comes alive in us and we carry His light with us to bring life to others.  "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” Matthew 5:14-16.So what does it mean for us to walk in the light of Christ so that we can be a light unto the world to those around us.  I think first and foremost, we must stay connected to the source of the light through a daily abiding relationship and pursuit of Christ.  Just like the sun comes up each morning to bring light and life, so must we remain connected to the Lord and dependent upon Him as our source.  And yes, we should know and expect that every day will not be sunny blue skies, there will be clouds and storms that cause us to be tested in our faith and feel as if the light is not with us.  This is when our faith in and connection to Christ is most important; we know the sun is there even when it is not shining and we cannot see it.  Similarly in our walk with Christ, He is always there for us even when we do not feel His presence, this is the definition of Faith “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1 Second, it is important to understand that God has given us His light so that we can grow and thrive to be beacons of His light to shine and share with others who are in the darkness and need light.  Our world is overshadowed with a cloud of darkness called the “sin of the world” and it is simply God’s plan to bring light to the world through us His sons and daughters of faith.  He enlightens and blesses us primarily so we can be a blessing and spread His light and life to others.  So we need to continue to ask ourselves how we are shining His light each day to share the Good News of the Gospel of Christ?  Finally, we should understand that God’s light is our daily bread and the living water that gives us the nutrients we need to grow so we can become fully mature in Christ and live to our full potential here on earth and for eternity.  This is the abundant life that God desires for us; to not just have life, but to have life to the “full” and flourish in Him so that we can produce the amazing and delicious eternal fruit that is simply the bi-product of His light shining on us and flowing through us.  ^“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.“Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you”. Isaiah 60:1Have a great week and let God’s light shine in you and through you….-Duane